BEDSIDE USB phone chargers, polished oak floors and sprawling interiors are just some of the luxuries becoming commonplace in caravan and holiday parks across the country as the glamping, or luxury camping, trend takes off.
Karl Plunkett is the owner and developer of Perth company Eco Structures, which is delivering its high-end tents to about four properties a month here and overseas.
Regarded as a pioneer of the glamping industry, Mr Plunkett spent two years creating the all-weather, safari-style tent, to replace the accommodation on his resort, Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, after it was destroyed by cyclone Rosita in 2000.
According to Mr Plunkett, tourists today expect a lot more in their accommodation.
"Visitors want to stay at the best locations and they also expect top-notch accommodation for a decent price," he said.
One of the latest caravan parks to bring in the luxury tents is Coalmine Beach Holiday Park, in Walpole, Western Australia, which recently opened four glamping tents in the middle of the Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
"There's no expense spared in the fit-out - each tent has a spacious ensuite and living space with all the mod cons needed when 'roughing it'," Mr Plunkett said.
"Most people need to have their phone charging beside their bed - even when they are camping.
"When you're glamping you walk into a perfect, spotless tent and get into a bed more luxurious than the one you have at home."
